Quitting smoking!!!!!

Hi Libras....I hope everyone had a GREAT holiday!!! Mine was nice, just went by too fast!
This year my New Years Resolution is to give up smoking (2 packs a day/5years)...and it is now day 7 and I still feel like I am ready to jump out of my skin!!! Anyone have any advice on how to get through this? I really, truly want to quit for good....but OMG....I want a smoke- so bad right now...I can taste it!
Thanks...Libras!
VOR

OK! You can do this! I did! It is not easy...it has been 12 years for me...and, I still enjoy second hand smoke! (But not in Mega bunches!)

This was my plan: when I quit...I would start again when I was 85 or so...(if I remembered)...it worked, because it was not forever!!!
After all this time, I still have some cigrette dreams...but, I have never gone back to it!
Best Of Luck To You!
Star

P.S. I should point out that I was really good at smoking! I excelled!!
I will always miss it!!

Star

Skoal Bandits help.

VOR, I know it's very difficult to quit something one enjoys but you must think of your health. Don't mean to sound "preachy" but, I lost my father to lung cancer last year. If you quit, just think of the HUGE favor you are doing for your body. You will feel much, much better in the long run, trust me. My Dad smoked for 45 years and look what happened. He could of had another 25 years left to live. I don't mean to scare you--I just want to help. I'm familliar with this sort of thing. Just think positively and don't get tempted by others who smoke. They don't know what's best FOR YOU. Hope this helps and I'm very happy to hear that you're interested in making this change. just remember: You CAN do it.
Sloane

Thanks Star and Sloane!
I am feeling a little more confident today...and am hoping that the worst is behind me now!(although probably wishful thinking-on my part-LOL!)....Star....I know what you mean by that "forever" comment...it is impossible to commit ones self to NEVER-EVER smoking again....I am taking it one smoke-free day at a time! I am 25 y.o...and I figure I, too, will pick it back up again in about 60 years from now-LOL!
Sloane....I appreciate the warning and the encouragement...I know how unhealthy it is....I have already experienced some health problems from smoking....and I am so sorry to hear about your dad!
Thanks again, guys, for your help!
VOR

216-
What are Skoal Bandits?
Chew?

Hi!
Yeah, Skoal Bandits are a type of chew....I used to work in a convenience store (years ago when they were known as mini-marts)...

VOR, just a word of warning about other nicotine sources to help you through it...
If possible avoid them! I know people who are addicted to the gum (nicorette)! And some who are addicted to the nicotine patch! It gets to be expensive and remains a health risk...
Glad to hear you are taking it one "smoke-free" day at a time...that is the only way...
Also cigarettes are expensive, so...
Think of the money you will save! Treat yourself to something special at certain goal points that you set for yourself...reward yourself!
Congratulations!
Star

What's up buddies! Happy New Year! Vor, I quit smoking about six months ago but I went to a Hynotherapist it worked to a certain extent. I stopped for six months and started again in November. I was kinda stressed but I'm quitting again. Anyway, you will always want to smoke but I found that just as bad as you get the urge it will leave just as fast. Remember when the urge comes that you don't smoke anymore then the urge will leave. This does work believe me. Try to forget that you use to smoke when you want to smoke. I had really, really stressful times during this stopping smoking period and I always said to myself - Oh I forgot I don't smoke anymore and the urge left fast. GOOD LUCK! You can do it! Just think this is a positive thing your doing for yourself because you are that positive person.

Happy

spend alot of time in water I swim and you can't smoke while swimming take lots of bath's and showers because you don't smoke there and usually if you have a shower when you have a craving by the time your shower is over you have lost the craving. Just think you will be very clean and worst thing can happen is you get temporarily a litte prunish. But I find excersize is the number one way to combat the cravings and will make you even healthier in the end .

been there, done that, hardest thing I ever did but soooo worth it! What helped me a lot was to never think or say I had quit, just that I was postponing the next cigarette. Postpone for as long as it takes & one day you will finally think, my god I actually have gone for several hours without even thinking about a smoke. Good luck

I NEVER smoked or even tried it! I've seen the bad effects it has on people - my own parents included - and I said: "No Way! It's a messy, disgusting habit we can all do without!" I'm glad you decided to quit, because why throw your life away?

Hi Guys!
Thanks for your encouragement and for your suggestions...I am willing to try just about anything at this point! The cravings are now few and far between...but when they hit...they seem to come out of no where and are very intense! I've now taken up playing with a rubberband (to keep my hands busy and my mind diverted)...seems to help a bit...hopefully that won't become my new habit!-LOL!
One day at a time....
Thanks !
VOR